Free Letters of Love (Green Division Series Book #3) by Ashley Monahan

State Trooper.  Drunk kids, fireworks, and domestics.  Ben loved it.  Yeehaw.
     
    *****
     
    “Aubrey!”  Taylor burst through the door.

“Well hello to you too.” Aubrey said surprised at her friend’s appearance.

“You didn’t answer your phone.”  Taylor came inside, Jill on her heels.

“We’re going out babe, you coming?”  Jill looked stunning and would turn heads wherever they went.

“I’m looking forward to crashing on the couch watching me some Tivoed American Idol.”  

“You’ve turned into a hermit.”  Taylor pouted.  “She’s been spending an awful lot of time with that trooper.  Ben, right?”  

“I’m giving his niece lessons.”

“You like him!”  Jen accused.  

“Where the hell did you pull that out of your ass?”  Aubrey turned around shocked.

“We know you.”  Taylor grabbed Aubrey’s shoulders.  “Tell us with a straight face that you don’t like him.”

“He’s an okay guy, but I don’t like him like that.”

“Did you see her bite her lip?”  Jill asked Taylor.

“I saw it.  You only do that when you are lying.”

“I’m not lying.  Just because the man stands around while I give Tiffy lessons doesn’t mean I’m in love.  Jesus guys, get a grip.”

“Oahh, she does like him.”  Jill smiled.

“You two...”  Aubrey smiled.

“Look at the smile!”  Jill pointed.

“Stop it!”  Aubrey pushed her shoulder.  “I said he’s okay, but I don’t like him like him .  I can tolerate him.”

“Mhm.  Then come out with us tonight and try to find yourself a man.”  Jill said.

“I’m not in the mood for going out.”

“Because she already has a man.”  Taylor winked.

“ I need to work on the plans for the bakery.  I meet with the contractor Monday afternoon before work.”

“Mhmm.  Nice excuse.”

“You two go, have fun, behave.   If you end up needing a DD, give me a call, though I prefer you not need one.”

“When do you see him again?”  

“I’ll see THEM on Monday.”

“Report back to us with any juicy details.”

“Right, I’ll jump right on him and have my way with him in front of Tiffy.  Jesus you two.”

“She’s awfully defensive.”  Jill nudged Taylor.

“Like a guilty person, overcompensating.  And hanging out with him on a holiday.  That’s serious.”

Aubrey pushed them out of the door.  “Bye guys, have fun.”

Jesus, they couldn’t be any more wrong.  A sshole—Ben and her had become “friends” because of Tiffy.  They weren’t friends, not really.  They didn’t socialize outside of the lessons...well, except for that one time when he came back to get his sunglasses...but that didn’t count, nope.  They didn’t talk on the phone, or text.  It was strictly business.  Taylor and Jill were very, very, VERY wrong indeed.

Aubrey pulled out the plans the contractor had drawn up.  They would break ground within the month once she approved his proposal.  The contractor was one Ben suggested in passing and gave her the best price of all the contractor’s she’d checked.  Again, that was something “friends” would talk about, nothing more.

CHAPTER ELEVEN
 
     
    Mid June

“Only one more week until the competition.”  Tiffy beamed at Aubrey.

“Excited?”

“Super excited.  I’m gonna win it.”

“I’d put my money on your any day.”  

“Do I win the money?”

Aubrey smiled.  “It’s just a phrase.”

Ben boosted Tiffy on the horse then walked back to his normal post where he watched religiously.

Though she only wore a tank top, shorts, and sneakers, she still baked in the oppressive heat.  Ben wore his way too cool sunglasses, a Nike hat, a polo shirt, and khaki cargo shorts looking very much like he belonged on the local golf course.

Aubrey stood back and let Tiffy practice the instructions she’d given her.  

“I talked to Ronnie.  He say’s you’re breaking ground next week.”